Safety The first thing on your mind when purchasing a travel cot should be safety. Safety is key when choosing a travel cot Credit: While travel cots generally won't be as sturdy as normal cots you should still ensure the cot you decide on won't topple over if your baby gets a little too active when playing inside. Features While a travel cot's primary function will be to provide your baby with somewhere to sleep when on trips, many cots come with extra features that could serve to make your life simpler while travelling.

Nowadays travel cots can come equipped with a host of helpful features Carry bag You'll already have enough to lug around with you when embarking on a trip so make things that little bit easier for yourself by choosing a travel cot that is light enough to fit inside an easy to use carry bag.

Bassinet Adjust the height of your baby while in the cot with a bassinet that fits across the top of the travel cot when in use.

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The use of a bassinet makes it easier to keep an eye on your child and get also be handy for parents who suffer with back pain. Some travel cots come with a mattress attached, but still collapse neatly into a travel bag. It might be useful to look into whether it's replaceable in case you ever want to replace the original. As always, make sure to check safety guidelines and to read all travel cot reviews thoroughly.

You will need to choose between sprung, pocket sprung, foam or natural fibres or a mix.

Mesh windows Mesh windows allow you to keep an eye on your baby throughout the night without having to get out of your own bed, and also provide ventilation which can be particularly handy for trips to warm countries. Changing station If you want to limit the amount of luggage you have to carry around with you while travelling, investing in a travel cot with a changing station might be a good idea.

Depending on the cot, some changing stations will be removable and others will be attached permanently. Playpen Keeping your baby entertained and, most importantly, not in tears while in an unfamiliar place is key, and many travel cots can also double up as a play pen with toys and trinkets attached to the cot.

Find out more about our advice on cot bumpers here. What are the different types of travel cot on offer?

It's easy to carry around and light when folded, but also robust and sturdy, with a bassinet for newborns. An investment, but great value since i's spacious enough for ones to play in and relax for short periods too.